Sting and Stephen Fry, among other prominent figures, have threatened to resign from London’s Garrick Club if it does not change its policy to allow women as members, intensifying the debate on gender inclusivity.
Sting and Stephen Fry, along with other prominent figures, have issued an ultimatum to London’s Garrick Club, threatening to resign if it does not allow women to become members. This move comes at a time when there are increasing calls for the club to modernize its exclusively male membership policy. The Garrick Club, located in London’s West End and established in 1831, has traditionally only allowed men, with women permitted entry solely when accompanied by male members.
The push for change has gained momentum with a letter signed by Fry, Sting, and other notable industry figures such as theatre producers Karl Sydow and Matthew Byam Shaw. This letter criticizes the club’s outdated membership rules and the negative impact these rules have on relationships with female colleagues. It also warns that failing to evolve could irreparably harm the club’s artistic reputation.
In recent years, efforts to allow female members have been unsuccessful, previously requiring a two-thirds majority to change the membership policy. However, the upcoming special general meeting scheduled for May 7 has adjusted the requirement to a simple majority for approval.
As the debate intensifies, the artistic community and the general public await the outcome of the vote, which could potentially shift the club’s longstanding tradition towards gender inclusivity. The Garrick Club had not provided a comment at the time of reporting.
